What Is a Paper Wasps?
Paper wasps get their common name from the paper-like material out of which they make their nests. Paper wasps are sometimes called umbrella wasps, after the shape of their distinctive nests. These stinging insects are semi-social creatures, as they typically live in small colonies but do not have a worker caste. Paper wasps generally have a similar body shape to yellow jackets, but somewhat slimmer with a thin “waist,” with six long legs and an almost triangular side view, as well as two wings and antennae. They are mostly brown with some yellow coloration.
Paper wasps are part of several species of vespid wasps that usually live within small colonies. There are hundreds of paper wasp species in the world, but around 22 species are found in North America. While paper wasps are considered semi-social insects, they can still be a bother. Consulting a professional for proper removal or relocation will always be the best way to handle a nest on your property.
How Do I Know If I Have Paper Wasps?
Paper wasps often build nests in residential yards, so one of the main signs of an infestation is the physical sighting of the nest itself and nearby wasps moving around the nest. While they are not naturally aggressive, like most other kinds of bees and wasps, they will sting if they are disturbed or their nest is threatened.
This kind of wasp feeds on nectar and other insects including caterpillars and flies. They typically begin to build their nests in springtime. Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests that hang from objects like twigs, tree branches and shrubs, porch ceilings, tops of windows and door frames, eaves, attic rafters, railings and more. Most often they like to build their nests under the protection and in locations that will provide their nest some shelter, which can make them hard to spot in places like under porches or decks. Their nests are also often open and not completely covered.
People and Pets May Have an Allergic Reaction to Paper Wasps
Most people will only feel slight pain and mild itchiness after the sting. If you’re allergic to wasps or has been stung more than once, then you might suffer from anaphylaxis. It’s a severe allergic reaction that is triggered by the wasp’s venomous sting.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen lips, face or throat
- Itching and redness
- Nausea and dizziness
- Erratic heartbeat
- Breathing problems (e.g. wheezing)
You should visit a doctor as soon as these symptoms occur.
How to Prevent Paper Wasps Around My Home
The best way to prevent a paper wasp infestation and the potential of getting stung is to make your home less attractive to the stinging insect. Before trimming shrubs or hedges, or picking fruit, check the plant for paper wasp nests to avoid contact with these stinging insects. Seal cracks and crevices in the home with a silicone-based caulk, repair any tears in screens and try to keep doors closed to prevent paper wasps from entering the home.
To help prevent paper wasps from building nests in or near your home, it is extremely important to do a thorough check every before every winter and spring in order to make sure that entry points are properly sealed. This can include checking unsealed vents, torn screens, window cracks and any open dampers. It is also important to never leave food out in the open, open garbage cans or compost bins laying around as that can attract wasps and entice them to build a nest nearby. Some people can be very allergic to wasp stings, which is why it is not recommended to attempt to remove nests by yourself.
When spending time outside, people should avoid wearing strong fragrances and opt for unscented hygienic products. Likewise, they should wear shoes that cover and protect their feet from rogue paper wasps.
Why Get Rid of Wasps?
Overall, wasp infestations in your home are a nuisance. They feed off on leftovers, rotten vegetation, and other tasty treats during their scavenging expeditions. Plus, insects are prone to sting you in self-defense, and slowly damage your home after prolonged nesting.
A1 Bee Specialists Wasp Control Warranty
It doesn’t matter how bad your stinging insect problems are or even if you have multiple nests in the ground, on your house or in your walls. A1 Bee Specialists will get rid of your painful, obnoxious and dangerous pests. We guarantee that if we treat them, they will stay away until the end of the year of your service. That’s right! Our treatments are guaranteed through December 31st of the year in which you get your treatment – even if it was a preventative service.
Don’t Worry, Bee Happy!
A1 Bee Specialists focuses on bees, wasps, hornets stinging insect removal and prevention. We firmly believe that preventative servicing is the absolute best way to keep stinging insects away from your property. A1 Bee Specialists Service includes the following 3 steps:
Step 1: An expert bee specialist will inspect your home for stinging insects as well as the removal of current nests.
Step 2: A1 Bee Specialists service consists of an IPM Service Treatment with safe chemicals that are used according to label instructions which make it safe for both children and pets! We value the safety and health of you, your family and your pets.
Step 3: Now you, your family, friends, and pets can enjoy the outdoors without the fear of getting stung for the rest of the year. All service is guaranteed until December 31st with no charge for follow-up service if needed. Schedule Now
Call A1 Bee Specialists!
A1 Bee Specialists have decades of experience in the removal and prevention of paper wasp nests. Our team of experts know exactly how to find hidden nests and safely remove them from your home and property. If you think you have a paper wasp infestation, call the professionals at A1 Bee Specialists.